Symptoms

Symptoms of SGA include a birth weight that is in the lowest 10% of babies with same gestational age.

Diagnosis

A physical exam will be done. A baby with SGA is often diagnosed before birth based on measurements taken of the mother’s abdomen, the mother’s weight, and size of the uterus (womb). If the measurement is low for the number of weeks of pregnancy, then the baby may be smaller than average. SGA may also be diagnosed at birth based on the baby’s weight and height.

Images may be taken during pregnancy with an ultrasound.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for your baby. A baby with SGA is at higher risk for problems, such as difficulty feeding, blood sugar abnormalities, and breathing problems. Your baby’s health and development will be monitored closely.

Babies that have SGA due to lack of nutrition or oxygen may need treatment. Options include:

Before Delivery

Before your baby is born, the doctor may:

Monitor your baby’s growth progress closely

Deliver your baby early if the uterus is too small to allow your child to develop or there are problems with the mother’s health or the placenta that are affecting the babies growth

Treat or try to improve the treatment of any conditions that you have

After Delivery

Babies who are born with SGA may be weak and unable to feed properly or stay warm. Treatment may include:

Using warming beds or incubators

Providing tube feedings

Monitoring oxygen levels

Prevention

SGA due to family traits cannot be prevented.

If you are thinking of becoming pregnant, taking a supplement containing folic acid may reduce the risk of having a small for gestational age baby.

To help reduce your baby’s chance of getting SGA due to nutrition and oxygen problems during birth, take these steps during pregnancy:

If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit.

If you use drugs or alcohol, ask your doctor to refer you to a treatment program that will help you stop.

Start prenatal care early and continue throughout pregnancy.

Keep any chronic condition under good control.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.